Celtic fans, let’s take you back to 2003, a time you’ve probably blocked from your mind.
The Bhoys are in the final of the UEFA Cup, playing against Porto, managed by some randomer named José Mourinho, and the game has just finished 2-2 with extra-time looming.
Bobo Baldé then gets sent off in the 96th minute, leaving Celtic down to 10 men, leaving Martin O’Neill’s men attempting to hold on for penalties, which is effectively pot luck mixed with a bit of skill, only to see Derlei smash the ball past Robert Douglas in the 115th minute.
James McAvoy, currently doing the rounds promoting his latest film Split, gave an interview to So Foot in France about his love of football, and notably his team, Celtic.
About that heartbreaking moment in Seville, the actor said: “I cried every single tear from my body after that final”.
A lifelong Celtic fan, McAvoy also recalled his first Old Firm experience: “It was with my dad, I was five. We were to Dolphin Bar, then to the stadium. Inside, we sang, we shouted. I was petrified.
“The only way to enjoy the Old Firm derby is to win it. Speaking of Celtic Park, I heard the funniest thing over there. A guy kept standing up, and the guy behind him told him: “What’s your job? Being a boner?”
Naming Neil Lennon as his ‘football friend’ and Lubomir Moravcik as his favourite Celtic player, McAvoy also had the privilege of scoring a goal at Celtic Park, during another charity game.
His reaction? “At first, I didn’t realise what happened, but five minutes later, it hit me, so I did a cartwheel. Mid-game.”
